Say The Name

Say the name of Jesus, no other name I know
that can calm your fears, and dry your tears,
and wipe away your pain;
When you don't know what else to pray,
When you don't know what else to say,
Say the Name

I had a very heart warming moment at church this morning. We actually made it there early enough to hear a few worship songs and not just the last one. Turns out we need a full 2 hours to get ready on a Sunday morning, who knew? Anyway, I was standing there with my boys and I almost could see myself through the years, as a child, as a teenager, in worship services praising the Lord. I felt myself at Maranatha Tabernacle, in the old sanctuary, seeing my mom worship and clapping our hands. It brought tears to my eyes thinking of the heritage I grew up in. Then standing there with my own children, repeating the process, it really was an emotional moment for me. It was like, layers upon layers of Sundays, of worship songs, hands raised high, saying the name of Jesus.

Easter Sunday 1981, before church

I used to think that people who were dramatically "Saved" out of a life of sin had such powerful testimonies which caused them to live their new Christian life more passionately then those Christians who grew up "in the faith". And there is a lot of truth in that. But for someone like me, I have an amazing testimony too. I've been protected and sheltered, a lot of that was my upbringing, but a lot of it was my choices through the years. I chose, with my free will, to do my best to walk the straight and narrow road. Those choices have protected me and sheltered me. My life today is blessed. My heart is not lost and alone, my Jesus is my friend, my protector. I thank God for my mother bringing us to church, training us up in "the way". I am not interested in apologetics, defending my faith and debating religious issues. I know what I believe. I know the lives I've seen changed and TRANSFORMED, you can't argue with a testimony. Sometimes it can be so clear. If your eyes aren't darting from this person to that person, judging and condemning.

Easter Sunday 1984, before church

"And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Micah 6:8 

Could it really be that simple? More and more I am thinking, YES. I remember Pastor Dave Boudwin saying that the Bible says the way of the transgressor (sinner) is hard. I had never heard that verse before. And it make sense. When I look back over my life, the hard times, in most cases, was when I was fighting to do my own thing.

"Good understanding gives favor: but the way of transgressors is hard."

Proverbs 13:1

For me and my family, we will continue to serve the Lord. We still have rough waters and everyday life issues. But when you know The Name, when you know where to run, when you know......

Easter Sunday 2010

Say the name of Jesus, no other name I know
that can calm your fears, and dry your tears,
and wipe away your pain, Say The Name

Easter Sunday 2011

Easter Sunday 2012